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Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Schalinski, S; Guddat, SS; Tsokos, M; Byard, RW.
Megaesophagus and possible mechanisms of sudden death.
J Forensic Sci. 2009; 54(1):216-9
Doi: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2008.00912.x
(- Case Report)
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- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Heinze Sarah
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- Abstract:
- Achalasia is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by esophageal dysmotility and megaesophagus. Two cases are reported that demonstrate unexpected deaths associated with previously unsuspected achalasia. Case 1: A 66-year-old woman was found dead at her home. At autopsy significant stenosing coronary artery atherosclerosis was found with cardiac failure. In addition, a striking finding was narrowing of the distal esophagus with marked proximal dilatation. The esophagus was completely filled with a large amount of soft masticated food and was bulging anteriorly, compressing the left atrium. Death was attributed to ischemic heart disease complicated by previously unsuspected achalasia. Case 2: An 84-year-old man collapsed and suffered a respiratory arrest while eating. Internal examination revealed narrowing of the cardioesophageal junction with marked proximal dilatation of the esophagus that contained approximately 50 mL of soft semi-fluid masticated yellow food paste. Fragments of yellow masticated food remnants were present in upper and lower airways but not within the stomach. There was a history of dementia with symmetrical cerebral ventricular dilatation found at autopsy. Death was attributed to food asphyxia complicating previously unsuspected achalasia with dementia. Megaesophagus may, therefore, be a significant finding at autopsy that may either be a primary cause of unexpected death or else may exacerbate or compound the effects of pre-existing underlying disease.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Aged - administration & dosage
- Aged, 80 and over - administration & dosage
- Airway Obstruction - etiology, pathology
- Asphyxia - etiology
- Constriction, Pathologic - etiology
- Death, Sudden - etiology
- Esophageal Achalasia - pathology
- Esophagus - pathology
- Female - administration & dosage
- Forensic Pathology - administration & dosage
- Heart Atria - pathology
- Humans - administration & dosage
- Male - administration & dosage
- Respiratory Aspiration - etiology, pathology
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- forensic science
- megaesophagus
- achalasia
- sudden death
- aspiration
- arrhythmia
- mechanisms